Vice President – Public Relations

Full-time
Degree: Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Public Affairs
Experience: 8+ years
Must Have: Public relations agency experience
Preferred: PRSA APR credentialed
Salary: $115,000–$130,000 DOE
Location: Must live in Seattle, WA area
Work Type: Hybrid (in-person work in Seattle office on a week-to-week basis)

Fearey, the Pacific Northwest’s most established independent public relations and public affairs firm, is seeking to hire a Vice President to lead teams to deliver excellent account management services for a range of clients. Our roster includes health care, consumer, nonprofit, hospitality, legal, and real estate industries.

Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented, enthusiastic, hungry and humble, and possess excellent communication skills—both oral and written. The right person will have 8–10 years of relevant PR experience, including media relations, social media, and project management skills. Agency experience is required.

As a Vice President, the individual will be expected to have mastered client strategy, account management, and staff management. They will contribute to strategy and long-term planning of clients and play an active role in the Fearey sales process. Emphasis will be placed on leadership, mentorship, staff development, and enhancing Fearey’s positive culture.

Candidates must thrive in a fast-paced environment, take initiative, and deliver high-quality results. Fearey values drive, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Qualifications

At least 7 years managing account teams, building client relationships, and creating/executing strategic communications plans

Oversight of strategy and client relations, including successful attraction, retention, and expansion

Proven ability to manage multiple complex accounts across industries

Sector-specific experience is preferred but not required (real estate, consumer and lifestyle, health/life science, professional services, government, etc.)

Skilled in full-service PR, social media, crisis communication, public affairs, integrated communications, and issues management

Exceptional client service

Ability to serve as a spokesperson if needed

Professional and positive attitude; team-builder

Excellent written and verbal communication; attention to detail

Strong presentation and new business strategy skills

Able to multitask in a fast-paced environment

Strategic thinker with research analysis and campaign planning skills

Knowledge of AP style

Active, engaged social media presence

Self-starter, collaborative and independent worker

Critical thinker

Responsibilities

Account Management

Establish and manage key client relationships

Provide exceptional client service and senior counsel

Manage Fearey’s financials with CEO and Administrative Director

Conduct regular 360 check-ins to support retention and growth

Internal Management

Lead visioning, strategy, and planning for specific divisions or service areas

Maintain awareness of financial health and profitability strategies

Lead long-term, revenue-generating initiatives

Recruit, manage, and retain top talent

Spearhead projects that enhance culture and agency growth

Develop and enforce organizational policies with leadership

Identify and integrate new technologies

Participate in division leadership and staff management

Analyze operations and financial data to track progress

Oversee budget planning and forecasting

Embody and promote Fearey’s vision and values

Help employees grow within the firm

Foster a creative culture and encourage innovation

Media Relations

Provide strategic direction for media materials and outreach

Oversee high-level media campaigns

Maintain top-tier media contacts

Handle client crisis communication efforts

Social and Digital Media

Oversee social media monitoring and performance insights

Stay current on tools and trends in digital communications

Lead strategic digital media campaigns

Business Development

Lead and close new business deals

Analyze competitor positioning and marketing tactics

Guide Fearey marketing strategy and sales initiatives

Develop and execute promotional programs to increase market share

Represent the firm at industry events and trade shows

Identify, pursue, and secure new business prospects

Represent Fearey through public speaking, articles, webinars, and social media

Actively participate in and contribute to the sales process

What We’re Looking For

Confident speaking with executives and leaders

Results-driven and solutions-focused

Excellent grammar, concise writing, strong phone presence

Team-oriented

Benefits

Fearey offers an extensive benefits package including:

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums

5% commission on new business accounts brought in by the candidate

4 weeks paid time off annually (prorated to start date)

At least 9 paid holidays per year

Tech/home office reimbursement

401(k) with match and no waiting period

Monthly wellness reimbursement

Annual professional development reimbursement

Short-Term Disability plan

Supplemental Family Leave and Short-term Disability policies

Physical Demands

Sit for extended periods

Use hands for tools or controls

Perform repetitive movements

Visual acuity at close range

Perceive color and brightness differences

Lift up to 25 lbs

Fearey is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status. All hiring decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

About Fearey

Fearey is the most established independent public relations, public affairs, and digital media firm in the Pacific Northwest. For over 44 years, we have served leading public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1981 by PR icon Pat Fearey, we are driven by a mission to challenge norms and deliver outstanding results.

Fearey is a founding member of the Public Relations Global Network, an international organization of leading independent PR agencies.

We actively encourage employee involvement in community boards, nonprofits, and civic participation. We reward creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial energy. Our motto: Fearless Thinking.

Learn more here